Time did not bend to human will, especially while people were waiting, when it passed very, very quickly.
In the blink of an eye, two days had passed.
Huron stood before the full-length mirror, frowning slightly at the elaborate robe he wore. It was a full-length black robe embroidered with shield-shaped crests and admonitions from the Holy Light in purple-and-gold magical thread. It was very old-fashioned, but overall carried a peculiar dignity, with affectedly delicate black velvet lace at the cuffs and collar.
All sorts of pendants hung from the robe's belt, and more than twelve badges adorned his chest, along with a silver-white sash.
The complete outfit was heavy and cumbersome. Huron needed two attendants to help him put it all on, and he had woken two hours early for it, only just managing to finish dressing now.
House Menethil's loyal royal steward presented the ornate scepter with both hands. Beside him, his mother, Queen Fiona, personally placed the crown symbolizing the heir apparent on his head. This noblewoman from the Oru Star Sector was not as beautiful as his father's other consorts, but her grace and wisdom had made her queen of the Lordaeron interstellar empire five years after her marriage.
Queen Caliea had made that decision herself. Huron's womanizing imperial father had not even had the option of objecting.
"My son, look at you. A born ruler!"
Queen Fiona patted her son's clothes in satisfaction, stepped back twice, and surveyed his attire. Finally, she took a wooden box from a maid and gently opened it, then drew out a pendant with the utmost care and hung it around Huron's neck.
"This is the image pendant your forefather left behind. Inside is a portrait of your foremother in her youth. It truly is priceless. My child, you really